Description

Craving a bold, flavorful dish that’s quick and elegant? Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce) is your perfect choice! Featuring jumbo shrimp cooked in a luscious butter sauce infused with garlic, lemon zest, and black pepper, this Mexican-inspired dish is a savory, aromatic treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Camarones al Mojo de Ajo. Each ingredient adds to the rich, garlicky, and savory magic.

Unsalted Butter (1½ sticks, at room temperature): Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt (1 tsp): Enhances flavor balance.
Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Adds bright, citrusy freshness.
Black Pepper (½ tsp, freshly ground): Brings mild heat.
Garlic Cloves (6, finely minced): Infuses bold, aromatic flavor.
Jumbo Shrimp (2 lbs, shell-on, deveined, 21–25 count): Offer juicy, tender protein.
Arroz Blanco (for serving): Provides a neutral, fluffy side.
Lemon Wedges (for serving): Add extra tangy brightness.
Dinner Rolls (for serving): Offer a soft, buttery complement.

Substitutions and Variations

Butter: Swap with olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free.
Jumbo Shrimp: Use large shrimp (adjust cooking time to 4–5 minutes per side) or scallops.
Lemon Zest: Replace with lime zest for a different citrus note.
Arroz Blanco: Swap with cauliflower rice for keto or quinoa for gluten-free.
Dinner Rolls: Use gluten-free rolls, keto bread, or omit for keto.
Keto Adjustment: Use olive oil, cauliflower rice, and omit rolls (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free rolls or omit; ensure butter is gluten-free.
Vegan Version: Swap shrimp with king oyster mushrooms and butter with vegan butter.
Spicy Version: Add ¼ tsp red-pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño with the garlic.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt 1½ sticks unsalted butter over low heat until bubbles form.
Whisk in 1 tsp kosher salt, zest of 1 lemon, and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute.
Increase heat to medium-low, add 6 finely minced garlic cloves, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes to infuse the butter.

Tip: Mince garlic finely for even flavor; keep heat low to avoid burning butter or garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Add 2 lbs jumbo shrimp to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce.
Cook on one side for 5–6 minutes, then flip and cook until fully pink, another 5–6 minutes.
Remove from heat, taste, and adjust salt if needed.

Tip: Cook shrimp until just pink to avoid toughness; keep shells on for extra flavor, but devein for easy eating.

Step 3: Serve

Serve shrimp hot with the garlic butter sauce, alongside arroz blanco, lemon wedges, and dinner rolls.

Tip: Spoon extra sauce over shrimp for maximum flavor; offer extra lemon wedges for a zesty kick.